John Adamson (translator)
John Adamson was an English translator and writer, born on September 13, 1787, in Gateshead, England. After completing his education at Newcastle Grammar School, he moved to Lisbon to work for his brother, where he became fascinated with the Portuguese language and culture. His passion for translation began with a play by Doña Ignes de Castro, but he was forced to leave Portugal due to Napoleon's invasion in 1807. Upon returning to Newcastle, he balanced his career as an undersheriff and his literary pursuits, gaining recognition for his translations of works by Luís Vas Camoens, Portugal's revered poet.
Adamson was an active member of the Newcastle Society of Antiquaries and played a significant role in the Typographical Society of Newcastle. His impactful translations, including "The Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Luis de Camoens," helped introduce Portuguese literature to English-speaking audiences. Additionally, he was honored by the Portuguese monarchy with knighthoods for his contributions to cultural exchange. Beyond translation, he published various political essays and studies in numismatics and conchology. Adamson's efforts significantly enriched the accessibility of Portuguese culture and literature for English readers. He passed away on September 27, 1855.
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John Adamson (translator)
Translator
- Born: September 13, 1787
- Birthplace: Gateshead, England
- Died: September 27, 1855
Biography
John Adamson was born in Gateshead, England, on September 13, 1787, the son of Lieutenant Cuthbert Adamson of the Royal Navy. After graduating from the Newcastle Grammar School in 1803, he moved to Lisbon, Portugal, to work for his older brother, a merchant. Becoming enthralled by the country’s language and culture, he translated a play by Doña Ignes de Castro. He hoped to make his home in Portugal, but Napoleon’s invasion of 1807 forced him to flee the country.
On his return to Newcastle, he became the assistant of a solicitor and justice of the peace. In 1810, he published a translation of sonnets written by Luís Vas Camoens, Portugal’s most famous poet. The next year he was appointed Newcastle’s undersheriff, a position he kept for twenty-four years. In addition to his professional duties and work as an author and translator, he was an avid book collector, a knowledgeable numismatist, and a recognized authority in conchology (the study of shells and mollusks). In 1812, he married a cousin, Elizabeth Huthwaite, and the couple eventually had four sons and three daughters.
In 1813, Adamson joined with other like-minded individuals to found the Newcastle Society of Antiquaries, which he served as secretary from 1825 to 1855. He was also a chief organizer of the Typographical Society of Newcastle, which brought out limited printings of works by Adamson and others for private use.
Adamson continued to translate Portuguese works into English, the most famous of which was The Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Luis de Camoens (1820). His bibliography of Portuguese literature and his translations of Portuguese sonnets (1842) and ballots (1846), both titled Lusitania Illustrata, were also well received. The queen of Portugal recognized his contributions by conferring on him the Knighthoods of Christ and of the Tower and Sword. In addition to his translations, Adamson published many political essays and a description of a discovery of Anglo-Saxon coins in Northumberland. He continued to work until his demise on September 27, 1855.
Adamson’s translations and writings did much to make it possible for the English to learn about Portuguese literature and culture. He was also influential in promoting and leading antiquarian organizations.